The figure of $17,000 is based on an average of the highest
costs for a DWI reported in each of our study locations (see
chart summary attached). The actual average is $19,000 but we
decided to reduce the amount to $17,000 since not everyone will
pay the maximum. Our campaign materials refer to the cost of a
DWI without specifically calling it out as a first offense. If
someone is arrested and convicted for a second or even third
time, the fine alone increases substantially. Not factored
in our $17,000 are the auxiliary costs of loss of job or time
off from work, loss of driver’s license/transportation, the
scram device, the big hike in auto insurance rates for teens,
etc.
...Robert Nash, PR DirectorSherry Matthews
Advocacy Marketing